PERSONAL

Unit Portables 05 Overnight Bag

Do you remember the Unit Portables 01 Shoulder Bag? That handy movable-pocket idea? Now there’s a larger overnight size that’s just right for a weekend trip. A mesh toiletry bag, a padded laptop sleeve, and a cable/accessory bag is included, so you’ll be all set when packing for an adventure. Oh, and if a tote is more suited to your needs, the Unit Portables 16 Tote is available for pre-order.(more…)

Gamma Ray Alternative Watch

Tell time using a binary system- and don’t worry, it’s not complicated. Just pay attention to where the lights are on the face and you’ll have the code cracked. As you can see from the image below, the pattern is circular, and the lights are different sizes, so it won’t take many brain cells to figure out whether it’s 1:20 or 2:35. The square face and stainless steel strap keep things sleek and modern.(more…)

Make Bike Rack

I have no idea why this retailer lists this bike rack for $50 more than the designer/manufacturer consult, but it’s good news that there’s the option to save some dollar bills. It’s a simple enough bike rack made of solid wood (walnut or maple), yet you won’t find it at your local bike supply shop- unless your bike supply shop is awesome, in which case some of us are a little jealous.(more…)

Facet Pyramid

Just in case you need another stand for your iPod/tablet, the Facet Pyramid offers three different viewing angles- 35°, 55° and 75°. Magnets embedded within the Facet grip to your device, which makes for minimal fuss, and the surface area gives stability on a variety of surfaces.(more…)

Balance Pen and Stylus

I now feel as if it is my personal mission to appraise you of any and all decent styli that hit the market, if only to arm you with information should friends/colleagues discuss the lack of acceptable options. The Balance Pen and Stylus is just that- both pen and stylus- so you need not fumble between two implements when you switch from digital device to paper.(more…)

AÃRK Collective Classic Watch

Newsflash! Wristwatches still exist. Some people use them to tell the time instead of checking their smartphones, if you can believe it. AÃRK Collective has a tempting collection of minimally designed watches in a few spectacular color choices (four, to be exact), and there’s no doubt they’ll have some of us rethinking our time telling habits.(more…)

Modern Industry Packs

With so many iterations of the simple black backpack, how do you choose the right one? Well, the price, for starters, has to be somewhat reasonable, and the ‘cool’ factor must exist. It’s unlikely you’re going to give up the look you’ve cultivated just for a functional carry-all. Modern Industry meets both criteria with two backpacks that will complement your daily wardrobe. The Magnitude Backpack, $250, is the larger of the two, and has a padded laptop sleeve (away from your back for comfort), a large main compartment and three accessories pockets for smaller stuff. The Conduit Sling Pack, $100, is a smaller pack with one main pocket (will fit a laptop or jacket) and one accessories pocket. Both bags feature a flap top that can be adjusted according to your needs.(more…)

Wallet TrackR

Say sayonara to leaving your wallet behind with another handy tracking device. The Wallet TrackR is about the size of a credit card, and when used with the app, it’ll keep you from losing your wallet. When it’s separated from your iPhone or iPad, the app will alert you, simple as that. If for some reason you don’t hear the alert, the app also takes a GPS snapshot of where you left your wallet behind.(more…)

Cotton Umbrella

For goodness’ sake, get yourself a decent umbrella. There’s few things worse than inadequate protection on a cold and rainy day, so invest a little more money to keep yourself dry. In the case of this cotton umbrella, it’ll do that job and more, as you’ll look a tad more put together, maybe even dapper. There’s several bright(er) colors to choose from if black is too somber for your wardrobe.(more…)

Bamboo Round Bento Box

With all that effort that goes into selecting and packing your lunch, shouldn’t you pack it into something that’s perfectly sized and thoughtfully crafted? Perhaps like this Bamboo Bento Box? Bento boxes are classic Japanese lunch/snack carriers, and you’d do well to take a page out of the traditional book when it comes to serving sizes. At 4″ long, 6″ wide, and 5″ deep, you’ll not pack too much, and, as bamboo is durable and lightweight, it’ll suit your commute quite well. Two layers of containers stack vertically with an elastic band for security. Also available in a Rectanglar version.(more…)

11+ Felt Case

Minimalists, do not despair, for your iPad/Macbook Air 11″/Galaxy Tablet need not go without protection in your bag or desk drawer. There’s a super simple felt case for your precious device, and don’t worry, it’s not too terribly expensive. Various pockets keep your smaller items organized and one inside pocket even serves as a mousepad if you need it. Designed by Cloud&Co for 11+.(more…)

Cosmonaut Stylus

Oh, Cosmonaut, where have you been? Whoops, wrong idea, let’s try that again.

Oh, Cosmonaut, where have you been? It’s such a pain researching styli (or, as you might call them, styluses). Various opinions and reviews send a lesser person into a tailspin, fit to swear off any device-writing-implement for the foreseeable future. However, there’s this simple, dry-erase-marker-like stylus that saves us from relying on our clumsy fingers. A comfortable rubber grip means it’s easy to handle by adults or kids (with or without gloves, mind you), and it’ll work on almost every capacitive touch screen device.(more…)

Phonekerchief Valentines Day Set

You say you care, but show him/her you mean it with a cellphone signal-blocking hanky. That’s right, it’s a nylon and silver handkerchief that blocks all cell signals and says so with the phrase “My Phone is Off For You” just in case you or your significant other forgets what it’s doing wrapped around your phone. You could also purchase it for someone that is on their phone ALL the freaking time as a big hint that their habit is rude and annoying. The ‘Phonekerchief’ comes with a chocolate bar to soften the blow or, more likely, just to make it a more typical Valentine’s gift.

Note: Or, instead, just make a habit of turning off your phone or putting it on silent, which would obviously be a better method of conveying your attention to your companion(s). Hopefully those around you will get the hint to do the same.(more…)

Queuger

Queuger, whaa?? Exactly. The Queuger is apparently for any use you can find for it. It’s a flexible elastomer wire with aluminum core, so you can bend it or twist it any which way you want. Maybe you’ll use it to keep wires organized, or to hold cabinet doors closed, or to help ease uncomfortable handles on a heavy bag… those suggestions are based entirely on the ‘ideas’ picture shown below, but you’ll think of many more.

Fitbit Zip

You might have heard the 10,000+ steps a day suggestion, but it’s not until you strap on a pedometer or one of the other recent tracking devices that you actually know if you meet that minimum. I’ve posted the Fitbit before, as I currently own one and find it very helpful as motivation to move around more, but I’ve heard from friends that the $99 price tag seems a bit steep for a teeny tiny thing that counts your steps (and calories burned, flights climbed, sleep cycle, etc.). Coming in at $40 less, now there’s the Fitbit Zip. It does the same- tracks steps, distance, calories burned and syncs it to your computer- except it won’t be able to track your sleep cycle. It’s also a wee bit wider/larger and has a replaceable battery instead of a charger.